Biomimetic and Biological Applications of DNA Coacervates

Yuqi Zeng; Long Zhao; Yihao Liu; Tianhuan Peng; Yifan Lyu; Quan Yuan

doi:10.1002/cjoc.202401276

Chinese Journal of Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (12) : 1442 -1462. DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202401276

Critical Review

Biomimetic and Biological Applications of DNA Coacervates

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Abstract

Recent progress in nanotechnology and synthetic biology has demonstrated the potential of DNA coacervates for biomimetic and biological applications. DNA coacervates are micron-scale, membrane-free, spherical structures formed by liquid-liquid phase separation of DNA materials. They uniquely combine the programmability of DNA with the fluidic properties of coacervates, allowing for controlled modulation of their structures, biomimetic and biological functions, and dynamic behaviors through rational sequence design. This review summarizes methods for the formation of different DNA coacervates and explores their extensive applications in biomimicry, biosensing and therapeutics. Limitations and prospects of DNA coacervates are also discussed.

Keywords

DNA coacervates / Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) / Cell mimicking / Biosensing / Therapy / Nucleic acids / Synthetic biology / Self-assembly

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Yuqi Zeng, Long Zhao, Yihao Liu, Tianhuan Peng, Yifan Lyu, Quan Yuan. Biomimetic and Biological Applications of DNA Coacervates. Chinese Journal of Chemistry, 2025, 43(12): 1442-1462 DOI:10.1002/cjoc.202401276